"Ask A Neighbor" is being retired

May '05

Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. I love metal embellishments and actually have alot of them but for some reason, I tend to hoard them instead of use them.LOL! I'm going to dig into my stash and see what I can come up with and will post back here. thank you once again. You have been so helpful and uplifting.

May '05

I would love some feedback. Thanks so much!

May '05

Superpezgirl,

First off…I am TOTALLY in LOVE with your monograms for your latest swap. They are so fun and colorful and unique!
Second, how did your friend like the album that you made? I must tell you that your use of paper is wonderful. You are so good at combining colors and patterns. Your pages look very balanced. I also think that you are the queen of titles… you have great BOLD titles that stand out and I love that!

What I would love to see you do is play around with some embellishments. They really add dimension and flair to a page and you can do it at VERY little cost. Ribbon is very inexpensive and just by adding a little to a LO you change the whole feel of it. BIG is really in right now so it would be great to see some biggie brads or jumbo letter stickers. I noticed you used a big bloom on a few of your pages and I love that! It really added a lot to your LO! Go to your local craft store and look around for some fun non-traditional items that you can put on your pages…think outside of the box….beads and jewels are HOT right now as are BIG sequins. Choose things that are unique...set a new TREND!

Just have fun with it and don’t be afraid to go a little crazy. Scrapbooking is not only about preserving your memories, but it is also about expressing your artistic abilities. I can see that you do this through your pages so take it a step further and have fun!

May '05

I would like to be added to the list

My first LO's that I posted WAY back when I joined are before I discovered this site and "evolved"

(P.S. My mother does not seem to approve of my evolution, which has nagged at me a bit...ok a lot...

I think she prefers the CM, old style to what I do now) Now I am having much more fun with it and looking at it more as art and playin' with my toys than just "preserving my memories" Still though....I look at my LO's compared to people like Janice...Emily...Wendy...and mine just don't seem "magazine worthy" to me like all of theirs do.

I also have a suggestion...it would be great if there was a link to the persons gallery that is getting the feedback.

Thanks!

Colleen

May '05

Can I join the list?!! I really didn't start out wanting to be published, but it would be nice! I have no idea to who, how or what you submit. I have heard a lot of people talk about their scrapping style, but I don't feel like I have one. I started scrapping at the end of January and because I feel like I'm new at this, I like to try lots of different things. I haven't found one thing that I feel more comfortable with than another. I would love it if someone could look at my gallery and point out if there is any consistent style to my work. I would love to know if I am even ready to try to publish yet and how you go about it? Thank you so much. I hope I am not to late to join with this group.

May '05

COOL.. there is no time limit to taking names, so anyone is welcome to ask for advice!!

May '05

OMG Thank you so very much for the critique. I have foam stamps on order, They are on back order. And I have some ink, so I will be trying that. About the pictures, right now I just do not have a computer capable enough to do what I want to do with them or a printer to print them out, Hopefully soon we Will be able to remedy that situation. But thanks for all the comments. PS I have been out woth my camera doing some more interesting things as long as I can get them developed. Thanks

May '05

Can I join?

I've been scrapbooking for a couple months now, so I'm not expecting to be great yet but any advice you have would be great! I'm certainly not at the level of being published, just looking for more visually pleasing layouts.

Thanks a bunch!!

May '05

I would love for you ladies to take a look at my work

Just be nice, I am still learning my way - LOL!

May '05

Crystal,
First off, your 9/11 album is simply stunning! I love the shabby chic-ness that you have added to each page and all of the elements you have combined are the perfect touch. What a beautiful memorial of that tragedy. Looking through your gallery I noticed that you love to use all kinds of texture which adds depth and interest to your LOs. You are really good at the “shabby” style and I think that there is nothing more to really “improve” on as far as that goes. I was not clear on what type of advice you were wanting but I am assuming you are trying to get published so I wrote this with that in mind.

What I would really like to see you try is a more graphic design or clean and linear style. This is what magazines are looking for now (at least this is what I was told by the contributing editor of Scrapbooks, Etc.). This tends to scare people off because they feel that they are giving up their “uniqueness” but the trick is to keep your style as far as executing the design of the LO but just adding less “stuff” to your pages. Look at embellishments as more of an accent…choosing just a few to compliment your pages. Keep the focus on the pictures and the layout of the page. Your pictures are wonderful and I noticed your LO “The World through Your Eyes” is a perfect example of letting your pictures take center stage while adding just enough “eye-candy” to compliment it. Keep up the FABULOUS work….you really are a talented scrapper! I hope this helps at least a little.

-a neighbor

May '05

Jennifer...I have added you to the list!

May '05

Is this the same list as before ... if so am I still on it? If not please add me on as I am always looking for feedback to improve my techniques... Thanks... Avril

May '05

Avril, this is a different list then before, and I've added you to it!

May '05

I'd like to be added too, please

I have been looking into the idea of publishing lately, so I'd like some tips. Thanks!

May '05

Anna, you've been added to the list too.

May '05

I was so excited to read the "Ask A Neighbor" thread and see what Janice has been up to. I'd like to share why I'm excited:

When I created the site plan for Scrapbook.com in 1998, there was a section called "Miss Smarty Pants". MSP was a place where New Neighbors could communicate with experts to learn how to improve their scrapbooking skills. I have been patiently waiting for the day MSP could be in our construction plans...but Janice figured out a way to make somthing just a good happen here on the boards.

Thank you, Janice, for all of the time and expertise you shared as "Ask Janice".

I've loved reading your advice and appreciate the careful attention you have given to so many.

My thanks also to the new Neighborhood Know It Alls: Leora, Heather, Melissa, Linda, Pam, Liz, Julie, Becky, and Emily who have offered to help Janice continue on. I look forward to the great counsel this group of highly qualified Scrapbookers has to share.

May '05

They ARE great!!!

I'll be adding my name to the list once I get some more layouts done with all the new goodies I've been accumulating lately.

May '05

Quote:

Sherrise said:
I think this is wonderful. I'm definitely in!

Sherrise

WOWOW!!!! Your gallery is amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through it today.

You have fantastic 2-page layouts – they coordinate and flow so well, you do a great job of working with color and patters and you have a knack for selecting the perfect embellishments to compliment your photos/theme of the lo. I love the way you tied the ribbon down the middle of your photo on the BEAUTY pg.2 LO – very creative and eye-catching! I also love the way you utilized slide mounts on your FRIENDS lo. Your title work and mix of media on your COOKIES lo is well executed and very fun! You are great at scrapping multi-photo layouts!

Like I mentioned above, you have a natural flair for combining colors. With that said, I think you would have lots of fun with the new KI “Pieces of Me” line – very vibrant and bold designs that are very in-line with your style. I also think you would enjoy working with the new MOD line, Basic Grey and Chatterbox.

You do GREAT title work! You choose great fonts and know how to combine different elements to create a seamless look. I would love to see you broaden out and try creating larger titles using monograms, large alpha stamps, rub-ons, chipboard letters (Lil Davis, Making Memories, heidi swap), or letter stickers (SEI, Chatterbox, sticker studio). MM foam stamps are fun and can be used over and over again – I think they are a great investment! Check out the each-one teach-one thread to learn how to make your own own monograms, chipboard letters, rub-ons, etc.

Your layouts already have great texture and depth!! I think you would enjoy working with embellishments from the fabric family – woven labels, lace. Blooms are all the rage right now and I think they would be a great addition for your girl-themed layouts! I also recommend trying some metal attachments such as brads and paper clips when you are working with embellishments. They are tiny, but have high impact!

Here are some challenges for you:

1. For your multi-pic layouts, experiment with different sized photos. Enlarge one of the photos to at least a 5x7 (this photo will serve as the focal point of your layout). Your other photos, embellishments, etc. will play a supporting role. If you are working with digital photos, I also suggest experimenting with different “looks” such as b&w photos, sepia toned, dreamy look, high contrast, and/or cropping the photo to “change” the perspective of the photo.
2. If you are interested in stretching your color spectrum - try scrapping a neutral-dominant lo, using browns, creams, black, grey, and whites. I think you will really have fun with this! This doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate color though. Neutral tones can actually help to intensify a hue because they act as a “foundation” for the colors – it provides a resting place for the eye. Some popular neutral-color combos are pink and brown, blue and khaki.
3. Since you have pretty much mastered the use of embellishments, try scrapping a lo with MINIMAL embellishments. Let your photo, journaling and color selection tell the story. Journaling is such an important part of the layout – it gives you the opportunity to jot down the details, memories, emotions that the photo alone does not tell. Also, different colors evoke different emotions. Reds and oranges are bright and warm (passion, love, happiness, etc.) and blues and greens are cool tones that convey calmness, serenity, etc.

Sherrise, I have really enjoyed going through your gallery and look forward to seeing much more! I hope you find the feedback helpful!

May '05

Quote:

Jill said:
I was so excited to read the "Ask A Neighbor" thread and see what Janice has been up to. I'd like to share why I'm excited:

When I created the site plan for Scrapbook.com in 1998, there was a section called "Miss Smarty Pants". MSP was a place where New Neighbors could communicate with experts to learn how to improve their scrapbooking skills. I have been patiently waiting for the day MSP could be in our construction plans...but Janice figured out a way to make somthing just a good happen here on the boards.

Thank you, Janice, for all of the time and expertise you shared as "Ask Janice". I've loved reading your advice and appreciate the careful attention you have given to so many.

My thanks also to the new Neighborhood Know It Alls: Leora, Heather, Melissa, Linda, Pam, Liz, Julie, Becky, and Emily who have offered to help Janice continue on. I look forward to the great counsel this group of highly qualified Scrapbookers has to share.

Thank you Jill!!! It has truly been my pleasure!! Anything to help the neighbors here on the best scrapbook board around!!

May '05

I know the list is getting long but I would love to get some feedback as well. I have been scrapping for 5+ years but just started submitting this past January. I have had some luck getting published but I would really appreciate some input on how to make that success rate go up. Thanks so much in advance.

May '05

Yay!! I would love a critique!!! I feel as though I don't know where to expand to!

May '05

Amanda and Missy, you're now added to the list.

May '05

GULP....*WAITING FOR THE NEWS*....GULP.....

May '05

WOW...thanks so much Jill, for the kind comments. I am glad that people are getting use of this thread...everytime one of the "neighbors" makes a post I feel like I too learn from their feedback! It is a great honor to take part and to be asked to do this. It is exciting because I get to spend time browsing through people's galleries and finding "treasures." A HUGE thanks goes out to Janice for taking on the task for so long...you are a very talented scrapper and your insight into the scrapping world is VERY helpful to me!

May '05

Quote:

RebeccaB2 said:
I'm always looking for feedback. Can I get in on the bandwagon? I should warn you the family and I are in the prcess of moving across the country (MD to WA) so I'm not sure how much new stuff I'll be uploading.

Rebecca,

I believe that you should be giving ME advice! I simply love your clean-lined, sleek style and you have an incredible way with “placement” on our pages. The pictures are stunning as are your bold titles. You have a great way of keeping it simple and to the point…which keeps the focus on the great journaling and pictures. My absolute FAVE of yours is “Gelato in June” but I also love “Precious Jewel.”

The advice I would offer to you is focused more on trying something new as far as what you can add to your pages. A single chipboard accent can make a strong statement…one to try would be the Lil’ Davis Chip Art coasters: Lil' Davis coasters

These coaters are great because you only need one to make a great presence on your page….kind of like the “a little goes a long way” idea. You can even make your own chipboard accents with the Bazzill Chipboard shapes available in the sb.com store. GET CREATIVE! I recently made my own chipboard school emblem for a layout that was just the perfect touch for my graduation layout. It’s great because it is yet another dimension to add to your page.

Other things to try would be transparencies…not only for titles but for accents such as pockets or shapes. Also try adding a big flower on a layout...it gives pages a nice “finished” look and adds a little “oomph” to the page.

One last suggestion would be to try inking the edges of your paper…some people are afraid to use it because they want their LOs to look clean but if you do it just right, your layered papers will stand out more. You can do this just by lightly rubbing the very edge of your paper along the inkpad. Choose a light color so that it will blend in a little…practice makes perfect.

Just experiment and have fun!
-Leora

May '05

Just a quick suggestion for those of you wishing to participate. Some of you have already sort of done this, but I think it would help us to better help all of you if you are very specific about what you're requesting feedback on. For example, you may be very confortable with your style overall, but are looking to take the step up to publishing and would like tips for how to do that. Or you need feedback on just one particular layout - we can do that too!

If you need general feedback on your work that's fine too, just let us know. So, in other words, just let us know what you're hoping to get out of our review of your work so we can feel more assured that we're meeting your needs. Again, many of you have done this, I just want to be sure I'm giving you all the most bang for your buck so to speak, and I know the other girls are hoping to do the same. Thanks so much!!

"Ask A Neighbor" is being retired - plz read